Chip Kelly Comments on DeMarco Murray's Role in Eagles Offense

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly spoke Monday about the minimal role running back DeMarco Murray played in the team's 35-28 victory over the New England Patriots in Week 13.

"We have to do what's best for the Eagles. We're not trying to win a rushing title," Kelly said on Monday, per Paul Domowitch of the Philadelphia Daily News. Kelly added, per Eagles Insider, "We are not trying to win a rushing championship, a passing championship or a receiving championship. We're trying to win games."

Kelly continued to speak on Murray's role Wednesday, telling reporters that "Murray knew coming in that the [Eagles] were going to run from the shotgun." He added that Murray's low yards per carry stems from the struggles of the offense but noted that Murray is the player and the person the Eagles expected when they signed him.

Murray logged only eight carries for 24 yards, with a long run of 19. Scatback Darren Sproles received more of the workload, with 15 totes for 66 yards. Even former Oregon Duck Kenjon Barner had nine carries, outworking the reigning NFL rushing champion.

On Tuesday morning, ESPN's Ed Werder, citing a source, tweeted, "Murray addressed frustrations with role in [Kelly's] offense with owner Jeffrey Lurie." Werder also tweeted that Murray "doesn't want to cause [a] scene." Werder said the conversation took place on a team flight.

Murray was given three opportunities to speak about the reported conversation with Lurie. Each time, he said he would speak Thursday, per Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer.  

On Thursday, Murray said he "100 percent" wants to be with the Eagles next year, per Dave Zangaro of CSN Philly, who added Murray was "frustrated" by a lack of carries, but "happy" the team won.  

Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com noted Kelly's apparent rationale for Barner logging more touches:

Considering Philadelphia invested a five-year, $42 million free-agent contract in Murray this offseason, his lack of production and lack of usage are surprises. He played only 14 snaps against the Patriots.

CSNPhilly.com's Reuben Frank highlighted how Murray has struggled to find a groove in 2015 with his new team:

Ryan Mathews wasn't in action during Week 13, which made Murray's absence for the majority of the contest all the more puzzling. The Eagles were fortunate to gain 21 points from their defense and special teams en route to a landmark win over New England in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

With an offense continuing to struggle despite snapping a three-game skid, Philadelphia (5-7) still finds itself tied atop the NFC East with Washington and the New York Giants.